Adult Orthodontics: Embracing Orthodontic Treatment Later in Life

Debunking myths and unveiling truths about adult orthodontic treatment

Everyone deserves a straight, healthy smile that gives them confidence and helps them look and feel their very best. While many people are fortunate enough to receive the dental and orthodontic care that will give them that smile in their youth, that doesn’t always happen.

Whether you never had braces in your younger years or your teeth have changed throughout adulthood, orthodontic care may be the answer. After all, there’s no such thing as being too old for a healthy smile.

Read below to learn the truth about some of the most common misconceptions about adult orthodontics. And remember: no matter your age, you can get the orthodontic care you need and deserve with help from Adirondack Orthodontics.

Myth: Orthodontics are only for kids/teenagers.

Fact: Orthodontic care is for adults, too! While orthodontic treatment such as braces is commonly associated with children and teenagers, adults of all ages are increasingly opting for treatment to improve their smile and boost their confidence.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment appears unprofessional.

Fact: There is nothing unprofessional about taking control of your health and working toward your goals. However, if you want a more discreet option, clear aligners like Invisalign can help you achieve the smile of your dreams with no one at work being the wiser.

Learn more about elevating confidence with Invisalign on our blog.

Myth: Braces are too painful.

Fact: These days, options like Invisalign make orthodontic treatment more comfortable and convenient. If you’re worried about the feeling of brackets and wires, Invisalign’s series of clear trays may be the right fit for you.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment is too expensive.

Fact: At Adirondack Orthodontics, we work with most insurances and can help create a payment plan that works for you. We even have some exclusive offers that you may be able to take advantage of!

Myth: Orthodontic treatment takes longer for adults.

Fact: Your age doesn’t dictate how long your treatment will take! The duration of your treatment depends on your teeth. We can give you more information about the estimated length of your treatment during your initial appointment.

We hope we’ve debunked your misconceptions about adult orthodontic treatment. It’s never too late to get the orthodontic and dental care you need! If you have any other concerns or you’re ready to schedule your free initial consultation, reach out to our team today. Adirondack Orthodontics is proud to have numerous locations throughout the Capital Region to serve you.

Why Fall is the Perfect Season to Begin Your Orthodontic Journey

Embrace change with a new smile

Autumn is here, and there’s no better time to consider starting adult orthodontic treatment! Between the cozy fires, changing leaves, and festive pumpkin spices, fall is a season of transformation, making it perfect for embarking on your journey to a new smile. Here are some compelling reasons why fall is a great time to start your orthodontic treatment.

More Availability and Convenience

With the kids back in school and summer vacations coming to an end, fall gifts you with more personal time. This added availability makes it easier to schedule and keep up with orthodontic appointments. Fall gives you the space to focus on your own healthcare needs, including visits to your orthodontist.

Preparation for the Holidays

Starting your orthodontic treatment now means by the time the holiday season rolls around, you’ll already be adjusted to your braces or Invisalign. The initial discomfort will be behind you, meaning you can dive into your holiday bucket list without any interruptions.

Optimal Health Management

Aligning the start of your orthodontic treatment with the beginning of the fall season gives you ample time to properly manage and incorporate new oral care habits into your daily routine. Orthodontic treatments require particular attention to cleaning and routine check-ups; fall sets a calm pace that can help you get into the habit of maintaining increased oral hygiene.

Learn more about brushing with braces or cleaning and maintaining your Invisalign aligners on our blog.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

Starting in the fall not only gives you a head start before the holidays but also primes you for a stunning transformation to greet next summer! It’s the perfect time frame to notice significant progress and give yourself a confidence boost as the year ends and a new one begins.

Align Your Start with Insurance Benefits

Fall also coincides with the end of the calendar year. This is a critical period for utilizing any remaining dental insurance benefits or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars. Many insurance plans operate on a calendar year basis, so starting your orthodontic treatment in the fall allows you to maximize these benefits and possibly even double up on your coverage when the new year begins.

Easy Scheduling and Less Wait

Orthodontists tend to be busier during the summer months due to families trying to fit treatments around their schedules. The pace typically slows down in the fall, making it an excellent time to start treatment with potentially shorter wait times and more flexible appointment availability.

Building Healthy Routines

Fall signifies a return to routine for many families, making it an ideal time to integrate new care habits necessary for orthodontic treatment. With school schedules back in place, it’s easier to establish a consistent, effective oral care routine that complements your orthodontic process.

Let Us Help!

Get started on your journey to a perfect smile by scheduling a free consultation with Adirondack Orthodontics online. Our convenient locations in Albany, Clifton Park, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, Latham, and Schenectady, NY help kids and adults achieve straight, beautiful smiles.

Celebrating National Orthodontic Health Month

Discover 10 fun facts about Adirondack Orthodontics

Happy National Orthodontic Health Month from the team at Adirondack Orthodontics! To celebrate this important month, we decided to share fun facts about our practice with you.

1. Blue Diamond+ Status

We’re proud to set ourselves apart as a top tier Blue Diamond+ Invisalign provider. This means that we’ve treated over 10,000 cases, putting us in the top 1% of Invisalign providers in North America.

2. Highly Specialized Team

Our team of orthodontic specialists are extensively trained in the field and have been recognized for their expertise and excellence. For example, Dr. Berenshteyn was named one of the Capital Region’s 40 under 40 by the Albany Business Review in 2019.

3. Lifetime Smile Guarantee™

We keep patients smiling – for good. We provide a Lifetime Smile Guarantee™: once you complete your treatment with us, your smile is 100% guaranteed for the rest of your life.

4. ABO Certification

Our orthodontists are board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This extensive process requires measurable accomplishments in patient care with a vetting process by the examining board. Only one-third of orthodontists hold this certification!

5. 10,000 & Counting

We have transformed over 10,000 smiles across the Capital Region since opening for business, making us your trusted partner for quality orthodontic treatment.

6. Treating All Ages

It is never too late to start orthodontic treatment, and our patients come from all stages of life. We love transforming smiles for patients as young as 5 and for those as old as 85.

7. Getting Involved with the Community

We believe in making our community a better place to live. In addition to providing the Capital Region with amazing orthodontic treatment, we are sponsors of several sports and dance leagues in the area, including Shen track, South Colonie girls softball league, the Robovines, and more.

In 2019, we provided the largest-ever donation of orthodontic treatment in the Capital Region, treating 25 underprivileged children in our area.

8. Flexible Financing

Our patients can take advantage of insurance benefits, financing, and custom payment plans to help them afford the orthodontic treatment they need.

In addition, we offer discounts on treatment to families with multiple patients, teachers, Military Service members, and more!

9. Best of the Capital Region

The Times Union’s Best of the Capital Region user poll allows members of the community to rate their preferred orthodontist – and we’ve been ranked in the #1 spot for the last five years in a row!

10. Multiple Locations for Your Convenience

Our six offices cover the entirety of the Capital Region, ensuring you can find convenient orthodontic treatment no matter where you are located. Schedule your next appointment in Albany, Clifton Park, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, Latham, or Schenectady.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the team at Adirondack Orthodontics. These are just a few of the reasons our patients love turning to us for all their orthodontic needs in the Capital Region! If you’re ready to join them and celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month by improving your oral health, please book your consultation today.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing Orthodontic Treatment for Your Child

Examining your orthodontic options

Children who have misaligned teeth, an underbite, an overbite, or another orthodontic issue shouldn’t wait until adulthood to address the problem. All these issues can and should be solved early with orthodontic treatment! The team at Adirondack Orthodontics offers traditional metal braces and Invisalign to ensure our patients get the treatment that fits their needs.

But which treatment is right for your child or teen? Here are five things to consider as you review your options.

1. Affordability

Finances play a crucial role in any medical treatment decision. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we believe that all orthodontic options should be affordable for families, which is why we frequently offer special promotions to help reduce costs. We also work with most insurance providers and offer payment plans custom tailored to fit your budget. Because of these options, families are able to choose the treatment you and your child feel most comfortable with, whether that’s traditional braces or Invisalign.

Find more ways to save on orthodontic treatment on our blog.

2. Comfortability

Orthodontic options vary in terms of comfort, especially immediately after implementation. Invisalign is generally considered to be the most comfortable option since it doesn’t involve metal parts that can irritate the mouth. Metal braces might cause initial discomfort or irritation, but this usually subsides as your child gets used to wearing them.

3. Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment. Invisalign’s removable aligners make it easy for your child to brush and floss as they normally would, keeping their teeth and aligners clean with minimal extra effort.

With metal braces, maintaining oral hygiene requires more effort due to the additional surfaces that need cleaning. However, we provide resources and guidance to ensure your child has all the tools and knowledge needed to keep their mouth healthy regardless of which orthodontic treatment they decide on.

Learn more in our home care guide for braces and Invisalign.

4. Personality and Discreteness

Younger kids may love showing off their personality through traditional metal braces that can be customized with different colored bands. For older kids and teens, Invisalign may be more desirable as the discreet option that is virtually invisible.

5. Removability

Invisalign aligners can be taken out during sports, meals, and oral hygiene routines, which can make eating and cleaning teeth easier. While this flexibility may make it easier for aligners to be misplaced or forgotten, in our experience most children adapt to this responsibility quickly and easily.

Traditional metal braces are fixed in place, reducing the chance of loss but requiring more diligent care, especially when it comes to avoiding certain foods that can damage the braces.

Learn about which foods you can and cannot eat with orthodontics on our blog.

Find the Right Treatment for Your Child – Call Us Today!

Choosing the right orthodontic treatment for your child is a significant decision, and the team at Adirondack Orthodontics is here to support you every step of the way. We’ll ensure your child is prepared for their orthodontic journey and will work towards achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Schedule your first free consultation today, and let us help you make the best choice for your child’s orthodontic needs.

How Orthodontics Can Help Improve Bite and Alignment Issues

Understanding the benefits of orthodontic treatment for bite issues

If you’re suffering from poorly aligned teeth, you probably already know that orthodontia can help solve this issue. Braces and Invisalign can straighten your teeth and give you a smile to be proud of! But did you know that orthodontic treatment can also solve common bite issues?

Common Bite and Alignment Issues

While you may just see your teeth as “crooked,” there are terms that can help better define the spacing or alignment issue you’re experiencing. Here are five of the most common ones:

1. Crossbites

A crossbite occurs when a patient’s top and bottom don’t meet as they should when biting down. Crossbites are often caused by genetics, habits like thumb sucking, or permanent teeth that haven’t yet erupted. Children who suck their thumb as they are developing are often more susceptible to developing a noticeable crossbite that will continue to become exaggerated as their permanent teeth come in.

2. Overbites

When a person’s upper teeth protrude over their lower teeth by a significant amount, this is referred to as an overbite. In many cases, lower teeth bite into the roof of the mouth and push out the upper teeth, resulting in excessive overjet, or the distance between the upper and lower teeth. Overbites and overjets can be caused by genetics, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), missing teeth, and bad dental habits such as teeth grinding.

3. Underbites

An underbite is when the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. It’s often noticeable by the appearance of a “bulldog-like” jawline, where the lower jaw juts out prominently. While it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, underbites can lead to various complications if left untreated, including difficulty chewing, speech problems, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Genetics, prolonged childhood thumb sucking, irregular tooth growth, and jaw development issues are some of the potential causes of an underbite.

4. Open Bites

If a person’s upper and lower teeth don’t touch, this is called an open bite. An anterior open bite occurs when front teeth don’t touch. This causes an aesthetically unpleasing smile as well as issues with proper jaw function impacting speech and biting capabilities. A posterior open bite is when back teeth don’t touch. This is usually a result of side tongue thrusts or poor dental habits prevalent in children. Symmetric open bites are typically caused by consistent tongue thrusts, while asymmetric open bites are caused by poor habits that impact dental health such as thumb sucking.

5. Deep Bites

A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. While some overlap is normal, an excessive deep bite can lead to various dental issues if left untreated, including wear on the teeth, jaw pain, and even difficulties in chewing and speaking.

Genetics, excessive childhood thumb sucking, teeth crowding, irregular jawbone development, and missing teeth can potentially create a deep bite.

The Dangers of Misalignment

Dental misalignment can make it difficult to chew and speak properly. Alignment issues also can cause everything from headaches and jaw pain to tooth loss and gum recession. Ignoring your bite issues can result in long-term, expensive, and painful problems.

Fortunately, orthodontia can correct these issues over time, giving you relief from dental pain and ensuring a healthy, confidence-boosting smile.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

After assessing your teeth and taking X-rays, our orthodontist will come up with a treatment plan to correct your bite issue, using either braces or Invisalign. Both work in a similar way, slowly moving your teeth into the desired positions for optimal smile health. Braces use brackets that are placed on your teeth and then connected with wires. Invisalign, on the other hand, uses a series of clear plastic aligner trays that are customized to move your teeth bit by bit over time.

Whichever treatment best suits your needs, you can trust that your overbite, underbite, or other alignment issue will be a thing of the past once you’re finished!

Make an Appointment Today

If you’re experiencing dental pain or are having trouble chewing or speaking and you think it may be due to bite issues, call on our team at Adirondack Orthodontics. All our treatment plans are backed by our Smile Guarantee™, so you know you’ll get the orthodontic treatment you need and deserve.

We would be happy to schedule your free initial consultation – and help you get your best smile in one year or less! Contact us today to make an appointment at one of our six convenient locations in the Capital Region.

How to Choose the Right Orthodontist for You

Key factors to consider when selecting your orthodontist

Some decisions are low-stakes and fine to decide on a whim, like where you’ll go for dinner or what movie you’re going to watch. But when it comes to choosing someone to provide health services to you, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your decision should involve much more thought, planning, and research.

If you’re looking for an orthodontist, the process might seem overwhelming. Most people don’t know what sets an amazing orthodontist apart from the pack. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of must-haves to keep in mind when choosing an orthodontist.

Unmatched Comfort & Convenience

A top-tier orthodontist prioritizes your comfort and convenience throughout your treatment journey. This begins with flexible scheduling options to accommodate your busy lifestyle. Look for orthodontists like Adirondack Orthodontics, which boasts multiple locations across the Capital Region, ensuring accessibility and convenience for patients.

Moreover, a comfortable patient experience is crucial for reducing anxiety and ensuring a positive treatment outcome. We pride ourselves on providing inviting waiting areas and a range of amenities to keep patients at ease during their appointments. From friendly staff to modern offices, every aspect is designed to enhance your comfort and overall satisfaction.

Lifelong Results

When you choose the right orthodontist, you’ll have peace of mind that your provider will stand behind their services and protect your smile for years to come.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, all our plans are backed by our Smile Guarantee™. That means that your smile is 100% guaranteed for life! If you eventually notice that your teeth have shifted, call us to schedule an appointment, and we’ll be sure to help.

Flexible Payment & Financing Options

Affordability should never be a barrier to achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. A reputable orthodontist understands the financial considerations involved in orthodontic treatment and works closely with patients to explore flexible payment and financing options.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, our team is dedicated to ensuring that treatment remains financially accessible to all patients. We are proud to partner with patients to make sure their insurance covers our services, even when they want to utilize FSA/HSA benefits. We can also help you learn more about financing options like autopay, zero-interest financing, paid-in-full discounts, and third-party payment options. And we make it easy to pay your bill online!

Proven Expertise

Additional certifications and credentials can show that an orthodontist goes the extra mile to provide treatment for patients. Nothing will give you confidence in your healthcare provider like knowing that they’ve gone above and beyond to learn everything they can about their profession.

One designation that sets Adirondack Orthodontics apart from other orthodontists is that we are an Invisalign Diamond Provider. That means we are in the top 1% of more than 50,000 Invisalign-certified dentists and orthodontists in the U.S.

By choosing a provider with proven expertise, you can have confidence in the quality of care and the outcomes of your treatment.

Make the Right Choice – Call Us Today

When it comes to selecting the right orthodontist, Adirondack Orthodontics emerges as the best choice for patients seeking unparalleled comfort, convenience, and expertise in the Capital Region. With a steadfast commitment to patient satisfaction and lifelong results, we embody excellence in orthodontic care.

To embark on your journey to a straighter, healthier smile, schedule your initial consultation today. Our dedicated team is ready to provide personalized care and support every step of the way. Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to your dental health—choose Adirondack Orthodontics for a transformative orthodontic experience!

Orthodontic Emergencies: What to Do When Problems Arise

Learn what to do if you experience a problem with your braces or Invisalign

Orthodontic treatment is a journey toward a healthier, more aligned smile, but like any journey, it can come with unexpected bumps along the way. While taking proper care of your braces or Invisalign aligners will lessen the chances that you’ll have an orthodontic emergency, unforeseen issues can still arise. When an emergency arises, you’ll want to be able to turn to a knowledgeable orthodontist for help.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

One of the many benefits of working with the orthodontists at Adirondack Orthodontics is that you can access the help of an experienced professional at a moment’s notice. Unlike companies that offer DIY tooth-straightening solutions, we won’t leave you high and dry when you have questions or concerns. Adirondack Orthodontics is your source for professional orthodontic treatments and guidance during the entire process. If you ever have an orthodontic emergency, we will be there to help.

But what do you do when a problem arises with your braces or aligners, especially if you can’t get to our office right away? Keep reading to learn more about some of the most common emergencies and how we can help you handle them.

Broken Wires & Loose Brackets

Wires and brackets are essential components of braces. While this situation doesn’t happen often, they can sometimes become loose or break under enough pressure. If this happens to you, take the following actions immediately:

  • Orthodontic Wax: If a wire is poking out and causing discomfort, you can use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end and prevent it from irritating your mouth.
  • Clipping the Wire: If the wire is protruding too much and wax isn’t enough, you can sterilize a pair of nail clippers or small wire cutters and carefully clip the wire. Ensure you only clip the wire as a last resort and be cautious not to swallow any pieces.
  • Contact Your Orthodontist: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible for a professional repair. Continuing treatment with damaged components can hinder progress and cause more discomfort.

Damaged Aligners

Invisalign aligners are designed to be durable, but they can still crack or break under certain circumstances. If this happens to you, you can take the following steps:

  • Use Previous Aligners: If your current aligner is damaged and cannot be worn, revert to wearing your previous set to maintain your progress.
  • Contact Your Orthodontist: Notify your orthodontist immediately to arrange for a replacement. Avoid skipping aligners as it can delay your treatment and affect your results.

Lost Retainers or Aligners

Misplacing retainers or aligners is a common issue, especially if they are not stored in their designated case. We recommend always putting your retainers or aligners in the same place to reduce this risk.

The only way to manage a lost retainer or aligner is to contact our team for replacement. If your aligners were lost, then as suggested above, you can wear your previous set of aligners until you receive a new set. But if you lose your retainer, you’ll simply have to wait until it’s replaced.

Intense Mouth Pain or Sores

Some discomfort is expected with braces and aligners, especially after adjustments or switching to a new set of aligners. However, excessive pain or the development of sores can indicate a problem. The following tips can help with mouth pain or sores:

  • Orthodontic Wax: Use wax to cover any brackets or wires causing irritation.
  • Saltwater Rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to alleviate pain and promote healing.
  • Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
  • Contact Your Orthodontist: If the pain is intense or persistent, contact your orthodontist to discuss the symptoms and schedule an appointment if necessary.

Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies

While not all emergencies can be prevented, there are steps you can take to minimize risks:

  • Follow Care Instructions: Adhere strictly to the care guidelines provided by your orthodontist, including dietary restrictions and cleaning protocols.
  • Regular Check-ups: Attend all scheduled appointments to ensure your treatment is progressing smoothly and any potential issues are addressed promptly.
  • Protective Gear: If you have braces, wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities to protect your teeth from damage.

Turn to Adirondack Orthodontics

The team at Adirondack Orthodontics will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to prevent orthodontic emergencies as much as possible. But should an emergency occur anyway, we’re here to help. Contact us if you have further questions about how to handle your situation.

Summer and Orthodontics

Six Expert Tips to Help Protect Your Child’s Smile While School Is Out

For many kids and teens, summer is a time to let go of worries and enjoy things like sports, camps, and socializing before school starts again in the fall. While this is true for kids who have orthodontia, they will have at least one thing to remember: taking proper care of their smiles. After all, when you invest so much in treatment, you’ll want to make sure your child takes care of their device so that your investment pays off.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we want to equip our patients with the tools they need to care for their smiles. Patients who don’t properly care for their orthodontia could prolong their treatment, and that’s the last thing any of us want. Check out six things you should help your child do this summer to keep their braces or Invisalign in great shape.

1.Create a Routine

Since school’s no longer in session, your child’s usual routine will be thrown off kilter. Help them establish a new daily routine so that they’re brushing and flossing like they should, even without the habit of doing so while getting ready for school. Proper oral hygiene is crucial for preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues that can interfere with orthodontic treatment.

2. Invest in a Mouthguard

If your child has braces and participates in sports or any summer activities that could damage their mouth, we suggest buying them a mouthguard. You should also be checking to ensure they’re wearing it during every game and practice.

A mouthguard is not needed with Invisalign treatment.

3. Buy a Travel Kit

No matter where your child goes during the summer months, they should have access to tools like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and wax. If they have Invisalign, they should bring along their trays and case. Help your child come up with a plan to ensure these vital items get packed, or purchase a separate travel set to ensure nothing gets left behind.

4. Avoid Sticky, Hard Foods

Just like during the school year, your child should stay away from sticky and hard foods to avoid breaking brackets and getting food stuck between their teeth. Taffy, corn on the cob, nuts, pretzels, and pizza crust are just a few examples of foods they should stay away from. Make sure family barbeques and team parties have plenty of healthy, tasty braces-friendly summer alternatives so your child doesn’t feel left out.

5. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, but it’s especially important when wearing braces. Dehydration can lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if they’re spending time outdoors in the summer heat. Not only will this keep their mouth hydrated, but it will also help rinse away food particles and bacteria that can accumulate around braces.

6. Have Fun!

Orthodontia shouldn’t stop your child or teen from taking part in the activities that make summer so fun! As long as you and they follow these tips, your child can have a wonderful break until September, when they’ll be that much closer to the end of their treatment and their ideal smile.

We hope these tips help! If you need any more information or guidance, be sure to contact our team at Adirondack Orthodontics. We are also standing by to help with any orthodontic emergencies your child may have this summer.

Orthodontics and Your Diet: What to Eat (and Avoid) for Healthy Teeth

Tips to nourish your smile

The food you eat can have an enormous impact on your teeth, even if you brush and floss regularly. Everyone should be cautious about what they eat because we all deserve healthy teeth and gums, but anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment needs to be even more careful. After all, when you’re investing time and money into braces or Invisalign, you’ll want to take the best possible care of your teeth along the way.

Keeping track of all the rules for eating well while you have braces or Invisalign can be confusing, but don’t worry. We’re here to help! If you are wondering about foods you can’t eat with braces or Invisalign, see below for a brief and handy guide. Learn what you should eat (and what you should avoid) while undergoing orthodontic treatment!

Your Diet & Braces

When you get braces, the process involves brackets being placed on your teeth and connected with wires. What you eat when you have braces can have a massive impact on your treatment. Below, we’ve outlined some foods OK with braces and some stuff you can’t eat with braces.

Foods OK to Eat with Braces:

  • Soft Fruits and Vegetables: Opt for soft fruits like bananas, berries, and melons, as well as cooked vegetables such as steamed carrots, squash, and spinach. These options are gentle on your braces and provide essential vitamins and minerals for overall oral health.
  • Dairy Products: Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk are excellent choices for individuals with braces. Not only are they soft and easy to consume, but they also contain calcium and phosphorus, which strengthen tooth enamel and promote remineralization.
  • Lean Proteins: Incorporate lean protein sources like fish, chicken, tofu, and legumes into your diet. These foods are rich in nutrients essential for tissue repair and muscle maintenance, supporting the overall health of your gums and oral tissues.
  • Soft Grains: Choose soft grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, and rice over crunchy or hard alternatives. These options are less likely to get lodged in your braces and are easier to chew, reducing the risk of damage to your orthodontic appliances.
  • Smoothies and Soups: Smoothies made with soft fruits and vegetables, along with soups that are free of chunky ingredients, are convenient options that provide nourishment without posing a risk to your braces. Plus, they’re easy to customize according to your taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Foods to Avoid with Braces:

  • Sticky and Chewy Foods: Steer clear of sticky candies, caramels, taffy, and chewing gum, as these can easily get stuck in your braces, leading to discomfort and potentially causing damage.
  • Hard Foods: Avoid hard foods like nuts, popcorn, hard candies, and ice cubes, as they can exert excessive force on your braces, leading to brackets coming loose or wires bending.
  • Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: While fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, crunchy options like apples, carrots, and celery should be consumed with caution or prepared in a softer form to avoid damaging your braces.
  • Tough Meats: Tough cuts of meat, such as steak and pork chops, can be challenging to chew and may require excessive force, increasing the risk of damage to your braces. Opt for tender cuts or choose alternative protein sources.
  • Sugary and Acidic Foods: Minimize your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages, such as soda, sports drinks, and citrus fruits, as they can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion, particularly during orthodontic treatment when oral hygiene may be more challenging to maintain.

Your Diet & Invisalign

Invisalign involves a series of clear, discreet aligners that slowly move your teeth into the desired positions. One of the benefits of Invisalign is that you don’t have to be quite so strict with your diet; you can remove your aligners while you eat and put them back in once you’re finished with your meal. However, some of the same rules apply for all orthodontic treatments.

Foods to Avoid During Invisalign Treatment:

  • Sticky and Chewy Foods: Avoid sticky candies, caramels, and chewing gum.
  • Sugary and Acidic Foods: Minimize your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages to prevent tooth decay and enamel erosion.

Remember to remove your aligners before consuming anything other than water, and brush your teeth before putting them back in to maintain optimal oral hygiene. And don’t forget to clean your Invisalign trays at least once a day!

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we want to help you make the most of your orthodontic treatment by equipping you with the knowledge to take care of your teeth! If you have any questions about what you can and can’t eat, just ask.

Serving Albany, Clifton Park, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, Latham, and Schenectady, New York, schedule your free consultation today to discover which orthodontic treatment option is right for you.

Top 5 Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment for Kids

Discover why early intervention can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles

While many of our patients achieve their perfect smiles as teens or adults, we have a treatment that’s just as helpful: early orthodontic treatment for kids. Children can be brought in as early as seven years old, when most kids still have a combination of baby and permanent teeth and problems can start to develop.  Our team will evaluate the health of their teeth and gums to see if they need treatment now.

Early intervention can address issues before they become severe, setting your child up for success and giving them a healthy smile for life. Take a look at the top reasons to bring your child in for an evaluation and early treatment!

1. Identify Problems Early On

One of the primary advantages of early orthodontic treatment is the ability to intercept dental issues before they get worse. Overbites, underbites, crossbites, crowding, and protrusion are just a few common issues that can start to develop in young children. A comprehensive evaluation can help us identify these issues and address them by guiding the growth of the jaw and teeth into more favorable positions.

2. Reducing the Need for Extensive Treatment

Early intervention can often eliminate the need for more invasive and extensive orthodontic treatment later in life. By addressing issues during childhood, orthodontists can utilize a child’s growth and development to achieve optimal results with less intervention. This may ultimately reduce the need for braces or other orthodontic appliances in the future.

3. Improving Oral Health

Correcting dental misalignments early can significantly improve oral health outcomes for children. Crooked or crowded teeth can be challenging to clean properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. By aligning the teeth properly, early orthodontic treatment makes it easier for children to maintain good oral hygiene habits and reduces the risk of dental issues down the road.

4. Boosting Self-Esteem

Children can be particularly sensitive about their appearance, especially during their formative years. Correcting orthodontic issues early can prevent self-esteem issues associated with crooked or misaligned teeth. By improving the alignment of their teeth and smile, early orthodontic treatment can boost children’s confidence and help them feel more comfortable and self-assured in social settings.

5. Facilitating Proper Speech Development

Dental misalignments or jaw irregularities can sometimes affect speech development in children. Early orthodontic intervention can help address these issues, allowing children to speak more clearly and confidently. By aligning the teeth and jaw properly, orthodontists can promote optimal speech development and communication skills in children.

Contact Us to See If Your Child Is a Good Candidate

The team at Adirondack Orthodontics would love to help set your child up for success. We can provide a free initial exam to assess your child’s teeth and help you decide what treatments would be best for them, if any. We proudly serve patients throughout the Capital Region, including in Clifton Park, Albany, Latham, East Greenbush, Schenectady, and Glens Falls.

Call us today and give your child the healthy, confidence-boosting smile they deserve!

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